Memphis, Tenn., May 15, 2004 – Krista Osborn, vice president and chief operating officer of Healthcare Asset Management LLC, a regional medical billing company based in Memphis, Tenn., will chair the 25-member Baptist Health Services Group’s 2004 Provider Relations Advisory Committee.

The committee’s purpose is to maintain a dynamic and beneficial relationship between BHSG and providers. The committee, which comprises physician office managers and other key office personnel, meets bimonthly to address updates on contract negotiations, payer contracts, credentialing and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The meetings also inform the group about hospital and ancillary services. Often, representatives from insurance companies and third-party administrators attend to address office managers’ concerns.

“I’m glad that I can bring my work experience to the table to foster better communication between BHSG and medical providers,” Osborn said. “The result is a better relationship and more efficient and improved patient care.” BHSG’s provider relations department functions as a liaison among contracted physician offices, third-party administrators and insurance companies. The provider relations staff is involved in network development strategy and provider recruitment. They also assist providers with network participation, contractual issues, fee schedules, informational materials and provider/payer-related concerns.

BHSG is a provider-owned health care network contracted with approximately 2,700 physicians, more than 40 hospitals and 130 ancillary facilities. These providers cover a six-state service area including portions of Northwest Alabama, East Arkansas, Southwest Kentucky, North Mississippi, Southeast Missouri and West Tennessee.

For more information, please call (901) 227-2424 or visit www.bhsgonline.org.

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